A randomized controlled trial of comparative study on the effectiveness of acupressure and electroacupuncture treatment methods in reducing symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation is a frequently observed fertility and femininity abnormality which occurs at the age of childbearing. Dysmenorrhea can be divided into two types of primary and secondary types. There are various treatments for dysmenorrhea such as drug treatment, drug-free treatment and surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of acupressure and electroacupuncture treatment methods in reducing symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and methods: A double blinded Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) was done to determine the acupressure and electroacupuncture treatment methods in reducing symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. Measurement instruments included VAS scale, Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MMDQ) and the frequency of drug use. Participants of this study were 64 young girls who met the criteria for inclusion and exclusion. Data analysis: The difference between the cycles (pre-menstrual , menstrual) and (pre-menstrual, post-menstrual) showed a significant reduction and the rate of decline was higher in electroacupuncture group. Considering VAS scale in both cycles (pre-menstrual , menstrual ) and (pre-menstrual, post-menstrual), there were interventions and reduction control but the results were not significant. Regarding the criterion (the frequency of drug use), there was not any statistically significant difference between cycles 1, 2, and 3 in two groups. Conclusion: In this study, for the first time, two methods of electroacupuncture and acupressure treatments were compared with considering pain reduction in primary dysmenorrhea. According to the results of the current investigation, it was revealed that treatment with electroacupuncture can also be suggested as a treatment in complementary medicine for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea which has no reported side effects.